Need to know
- Portable air conditioners can be a convenient way to cool down a room, but they're usually less efficient and more expensive to run than regular split-system air conditioning
- Our expert review scores each unit on factors such as cooling performance, noise and energy efficiency, plus we help you choose the model that best fits your space and budget
- CHOICE members can access our full reviews to see the best performers in our test
With another hot summer well underway, you might be thinking about ditching the pedestal fan and getting serious about cooling.
If you rent your home, don't have the budget for an expensive built-in air-conditioning system, or you simply like the flexibility of moving your air con between rooms, a portable air conditioner can be a good option.
We've found some impressive performers, but we've seen some disappointing duds, too – sometimes from the same manufacturer
CHOICE experts regularly review portable air conditioners, assessing key factors such as cooling performance, running cost and noise level when set to high (learn more about how we test).
They've found some impressive performers (both cheap and expensive), and they've seen some disappointing duds, too – sometimes from the same manufacturers.
Things to think about before you buy a portable air conditioner
Before you buy, check out our portable air conditioner buying guide, where we have loads of must-read advice. In the meantime, here are our top tips:
1. Capacity is important
You need to make sure the portable air con has the capacity to cool the room you need it for. This cooling capacity, or size, is measured in kW (kilowatts). For every extra kW, you have more cooling power, but it's also going to cost you more in energy.
Some air cons will specify the size of the room they're best designed for, but as a guide, for a small bedroom, you'll need one that is 2.0–2.5kW.
Check out our portable air conditioner buying guide for more room sizes and further info.
2. Factor ongoing costs into your budget
Think about more than the price tag when you're shopping. You might pick up a cheap deal on a unit, but it's no good if that appliance will cost you a fortune to operate over its lifetime.
We calculate the approximate cost of operating the unit at maximum capacity for four hours per day for three months in hot weather, based on 40c/kWh. Some units could add over $250 to your electricity bill during this time.
You can check the running costs of each model in our portable air conditioner review (go to the 'Specifications' section of the review).
3. Consider physical size and proximity to your window
These are bulky appliances that aren't exactly a desirable part of your home decor. Most portable air conditioners also require a window vent, so you need suitable windows and enough space next to the window for the unit to go (with access to a power point).
Find out more about the best smallest portable air conditioners.
4. Is it the best type of cooling for you?
If you own your own home and can afford the upfront installation costs, reverse-cycle air conditioning is one of the most effective and efficient ways to cool your home in summer and heat your home in winter. Find out more about air conditioner running costs.
5. Check CHOICE reviews before you buy
The price you pay doesn't always match up to the performance you're going to get. Check out our expert portable air conditioner reviews to help you make the best choice.
We don't want you to end up with a bad buy, so here are the products that scored lowest in our lab tests. Consider becoming a CHOICE member to see the best performers.
The worst portable air conditioners in our tests
These seven models may come from a range of manufacturers and price points, but there's one thing they have in common: they're all terrible at cooling.
Not a single one scored more than 40% for cooling, and all were rated as 'Noisy' or 'Very noisy' by our experts. Some are quite heavy as well, which doesn't seem very portable.
We can excuse a $300 model for not being perfect, but it's reasonable to expect that a unit that costs over $1000 should do the job well.
There's currently only one model in our latest round of testing that was recommended
Four of these low-ballers come from Dimplex and there's one each from Arlec, Excelair, EWT and Shinco. Most of the other models from these brands didn't score very well either, and there's currently only one model in our latest round of testing that was recommended by our experts.
Here are the models to cross off your shopping list.
The Dimplex DCP16C costs a cool $1300 but won't do much to cool your room.
Arlec PA1122WH
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $459
Dimplex DCP33EB
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $900
Dimplex DCP26EB
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $700
Dimplex DCP14MULTI
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $899
Dimplex DCP16C
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $1299
EWT EWTP11
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $799
Excelair EPA58023W
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $599
Shinco SPO6-07C
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $400
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
